How to become a Dance Therapist

What does a Dance Therapist do?

Dance movement therapists (DMTs) use dance and
movement to help people with a wide range of
emotional, social, psychological and physical difficulties.
Dance therapy work with individuals, groups and
families, helping them to improve their self-esteem and
body image, develop effective communication skills and
gain insights into their patterns of behaviour. They
assist clients to develop strategies to manage their
lives.

Dance therapists work with people of all
ages and with a wide variety of conditions. These can
include: eating disorders, autistic children, people who
have suffered abuse or violence, dysfunctional families
or individuals with severe emotional disorders. They use
dance and movement to increase body awareness,
stimulate spontaneous expressions of feelings and
promote social interaction.

Dance movement
therapy is based on the belief that movement reflects an
individual's pattern of thinking and feeling. It can help
anyone with emotional problems, conflict or distress.
People may also use it simply for personal growth.

What's the working environment like working as a Dance Therapist?

Dance movement therapists work in a variety of settings
including hospitals, psychiatric and rehabilitation units,
schools and private practice. Working hours are usually
9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, some weekend
and evening work may be required. There are very few
full-time positions. Many therapists work on a sessional
basis.

The work often involves travel and can
be physically and emotionally demanding.

What does it take to become a Dance Therapist?

To be a dance movement therapist you should:

have a creative imagination to devise suitable
programmes for clients

be experienced in at
least one form of dance and movement

have
the maturity and emotional stability to deal with clients
who may be suffering from mental or physical illness, or
emotional problems

have good communication
skills

be physically fit

be interested in
arts, health, healing and complementary therapies

have an aptitude for psychology, anatomy and
physiology.

Dance Therapist Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities as a dance movement
therapist are widely available. The majority of these are
in London and other major urban areas. Successful
clinical placements whilst training sometimes lead to
students being offered paid work, usually on a part-time
basis. There are few full-time posts, so part-time or
sessional work is common.

It is possible to set
up in private practice after around 2 years' initial
experience and many DMTs work as self-employed or
freelance. Training and consultancy options are also
available.

Further information

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